Things we can see in your eyes.

As part of every eye check we examine your eyes with a microscope - have you ever wondered what we can see? Here is the big reveal!

A lot of the tissue in the eye is transparent - so that light can pass through to get to the retina. Let’s start at the front - the cornea. We often see evidence of previous infections or injuries. In the fluid filled chamber inside the front of the eye our microscope allows us to see cells floating. Checking the lens we look for early signs of cataract. Then we see the vitreous gel, where we often find the ‘floaters’ which people describe for us. Finally the retina comes into focus.

The retina is red - sometimes seen as a red eye in photos taken using a flash. We have a check list as we examine the blood vessels, the optic nerve and the macula.

Sometimes we want to go deeper - to ‘look’ at the layers of the retina in more detail. This is when we use OCT scanning technology. While the information this provides is quite amazing, it does not quite match to viewing down the microscope - seeing individual red blood cells tumbling along the capillaries at the front of the eye will always be special for me.

Sunglasses

Whatever you do this summer - we have you covered with optometrist approved sunglasses so you know you will be getting the best optics, with the top brands and latest designs. 

Choose from Maui Jim, Serengeti, Oakley and many more. We have sunglasses to suit your lifestyle. Into sport? We have styles for boaties, golfers and most other sports.

Embrace the opportunity to shop locally and experience our fitting expertise.

What is Glaucoma?

Years of health education means most people have heard of glaucoma, and understand the importance of regular eye examination to help detect problems early. But what is glaucoma? This is a helpful explanation which Glaucoma Australia published on their informative website.

If you are being monitored for signs of early glaucoma, or have family members who have glaucoma, watch this video - it may help your understanding this eye disease.

If you are due for an eye examination, book today.

Are you concerned about children spending too much time on screens?

Most of us worry about the long term risks to children, particularly very young children, spending too much time on screens. The long term effects are unknown, and when the science reports in it may be too late; what will the damage have been?

Concerns about eyes, vision and health are of particular interest to optometrists. But physiotherapists, occupational therapists and other health professionals also field questions from parents - are there guidelines?

Helpfully, the Ministry of Health (MOH) has published helpful guidelines as their campaign to Sit Less, Move More, Sleep Well: Active play guidelines for under-fives. Check out these inforgraphic posters. For more on the guideline see MOH. Importantly there are very clear guideline on the amount of screen time for infants, none! We think this is a good message to share.

Winter sun gets in your eyes

During winter, the sun doesn’t rise quite as high as it does in the summer. Low winter sun can cause glare when driving, due to the angle which the light hits your windshield. This glare can temporarily blind drivers, making it impossible to see the road. 

UV rays are just as harmful in the winter as during summer. These are good reasons to protect your eyes in the winter months, here are our tips.

Wear Sunglasses

Sunglasses can help significantly, blocking out the glare. Polarized lenses are coated with a thin film designed to reduce glare. And these lenses will also protect your eyes from the harmful effects of UV exposure. Keep sunglasses in your car and you will be set.

Clean your windscreen

A dirty windscreen can make glare worse. Light coming in refracts off any dirt or smudges on the glass, making it harder to see. Remember to clean the inside of your windscreen too. Use a cleaner designed specifically for glass or windscreens.

Replace old wiper blades

Poor vision due to low winter sun is worse when it’s raining or the road is wet. Wiper blades that leave streaks or don’t work effectively can intensify the glare.

Making things easier to see

Poor lighting and small print can be a challenge, even with the best glasses prescription. This is especially true for people with vision impairment. 

Let us share two helpful solutions. The Daylight Halo magnifier light (see above) is brilliant for fine work / craft. We have one in our workshop which is in daily use for fine repairs on glasses.  If reading is a struggle the magnifying ruler is the perfect tool. We have many other magnifiers, come in and see our selection.